We are currently in the construction process of a health clinic in Katic Wallah (a Region in Sierra Leone, West Africa). Death rate in this area is very high, due to lack of medical facilities. The nearest hospital is in the neighbouring town, and transportation is on bicycles, few motorcycles or by walking.
Minor/ treatable illnesses sometimes result to complications or even death, because without health clinic or health centre the community relied on native medicine/ treatment by Native Doctors (traditional healers) whom the community depend on presently for their health care.
These native Doctors uses herbs from the forest in an attempt to cure diseases, convincing the community that they could treat all illnesses. When these native doctors fail and patient dies, they then blame it on witchcraft. Mental health patients are called witches and treated as outcast.
The plan for this health clinic is to enhance healthcare services and patient outcome in this targeted population and bring a sense of wellness to this community that otherwise lack proper access to care. The Aim is to ensure equitable access to health resources and to become the primary care provider in the community where health equity is limited by socioeconomic factors.
